While long-term care professionals have at least two more weeks to agonize over the fate of a bill that would permanently repeal the current Medicare physicians funding formula, a host of other key funding "extenders" set to expire also hang in the balance.

Nearly four months into the year, a 2015 calendar sporting nude photographs of the residents of Pleasant Pointe Assisted Living in Akron, OH, are still flying out the door — so much so that a second printing was ordered.

Inpatient rehabilitation following knee replacement surgery provides no advantage over at-home therapy in terms of mobility, recovery and pain management, according to new study findings. Researchers also reported finding little difference in two-year outcomes among patients who were sent to a nursing home or a standard inpatient rehab center.

» Senior Housing Properties Trust will buy 38 senior-living communities for $790 million from CNL Lifestyle Properties Inc., including assumption of debt. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter. The communities encompass 3,466 total living units. This includes 826 independent living units, 1,860 assisted living units, 744 memory care units and 36 skilled nursing beds.

MASSACHUSETTS — Thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act, the concept of palliative care has become more prominent in the national conversation about the end of life. Now these conversations are mandated for Bay State nursing homes, hospitals and other providers.

NEW JERSEY — Lawmakers here will soon debate the merits of a bill that would require the state to pay facilities up to half of the money owed for uncompensated care for residents whose Medicaid applications remain mired in limbo after three months.